20 months

Zooey is 20 months old. I am in denial that my baby will be two in four short months! This month has been sweet, but also a little trying. I don't know what the deal is, but I find myself praying for patience and saying "Turn off your whiney voice." (internally, it's more like "Stop. The. Screaming.") about 100 times a day. I keep wondering if all the screaming (which seems like a frustrated/mad/give-me-that scream) will cease when she starts talking more, or if maybe she's frustrated she can't communicate the way she wants to. One other frustration is a little separation anxiety at naps and bedtime. Tonight, for example, after our story & song she was signing "Please" and started to cry, because she wanted me to keep holding her. This is more frustrating simply because I wish I could just give in, but I know it's better for her if I stay consistent. It's just hard to see her want me so much and cry for me not to leave her. She's always fine right after I lay her down. Besides the frustrations, however, I am cherishing all the sweet stuff, because I know this stage will soon pass, just like all the others have. Zooey has been extremely affectionate lately. She loves to give snuggles & kisses to family members and those she recognizes (her teacher at Little Gym, the church nursery workers). She has started to hug tightly to me & Ryan's necks when we give her a hug. It melts my heart! She blows kisses, and she'll put her hand to our mouth so we'll blow her a kiss, too. There was a night this month when Ryan was putting her down for bed; after he prayed and said, "In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen," she looked up at him and said "Amen." Aw! Amazing! That story is one of my favorite ones yet about Zooey. I just love how Jesus works in my little girl's heart already in ways that I can't even see quite yet.

Zooey now:

~eats with a spoon most of the time

~is getting at least two of her 2-year molars

~tries to do a lot of things by herself

Zooey loves:

~socializing!

~animals

~cars & trucks

~playing outside (& gets very upset when it's time to go inside)

~shape sorters

Zooey dislikes:

~the end of bathtime

Parenting Zooey continues to be such a joy and a privilege that I am thankful for every day. I love her so much and am so thankful that God gave us such a sweet, loving blessing.